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My 98 528i ignition switch where you insert the key broke. It spins 180 degrees and the car won't start. How can I start the car and replacer the switch?
Optional Information: 1998 BMW 528i Already Tried: any way we can start the car in the meantime if we can't replace the swiitch right away??
It sounds like you broke the mechanical portion of the switch not the electronic portion.
. If you remove the lock cylinder you can use a flat screwdriver to start it but you will need to hold the key close to the hole because there is a micro chip inside it.
Here are the repair instructions You don't need the special tool a bent regular paper clip works, I have performed this repair many times it may take some time to get it to slide out.
Experience: BMW Master Certifed level 1 Technican
do I hold the key in place and with the paperclip in the small hole do I attempt to turn the cylinder around 90 degrees to remove it? It dosen't turn when I try it..
you put the key to the run position then insert the tool and pull the key out this should remove the lock cylinder
not having any luck removing the cylinder. It won't come out. I put the key in the run position as best as I can determine and pushed the paper clip in the hole but the key keeps coming out after pulling on it for 10 seconds
You will need a small scredriver and pop off the ring around it first.